Production on A Boy Called Christmas, an adaptation of Matt Haig’s popular children’s book by same name, is now underway in the Czech Republic, though details about the project have only recently been publicized.
A “re-imagining” of the Santa Claus/Father Christmas story about a boy named Nicholas who travels to the arctic in search of his father, A Boy Called Christmas is being directed by Gil Kenan, who previously made Monster House, City of Ember, and the 2015 remake of Poltergeist.
The ensemble cast for A Boy Called Christmas includes Saturday Night Live alum and Ghostbusters star Kristen Wiig, The Shape of Water’s Sally Hawkins, and Game of Thrones’ Michiel Huisman.
Acclaimed English actors (and Harry Potter veterans) Maggie Smith, Jim Broadbent, and Toby Jones also star in supporting roles.
Henry Lawfull, who appeared in last year’s TV adaptation of Les Misérables, will star as the titular character.
Production on A Boy Called Christmas has been underway in the Czech Republic since last month, with shooting taking place in both Prague and other Czech locations.
In addition to the Czech Republic, A Boy Called Christmas will also shoot in Slovakia, Lapland, and London.
Director Kenan co-wrote the screenplay with Ol Parker (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again).
Local production on A Boy Called Christmas is being coordinated by Czech Anglo Productions.
The movie is currently scheduled for a 2020 release.
Pictured at top: Wiig in The Martian, cover art from Matt Haig’s A Boy Called Christmas
